Pastor's Message
June 2025
This month we're still in Easter, for a bit anyway. It ends with the fire of Pentecost, as the Holy Spirit is poured out on Jesus' disciples for power, wisdom and direction to share the good news.
Even though the disciples had been with Jesus and received the Holy Spirit, the early, growing church was not without problems. There were divisions among believers. Just look at Paul's letter of 1 Corinthians. That issue is addressed within the first few verses.
On the 15th, we celebrate a doctrine. It's Holy Trinity Sunday. As Wikipedia explains:
The doctrine of the Trinity, which defines one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), developed in the early centuries of Christianity, particularly from the mid-2nd century onward. Key figures like Tertullian and various ecumenical councils, such as Nicaea in 325 AD, played significant roles in formalizing and defending this doctrine against various heretical views.
What we take for granted were huge issues of their time. The Nicene Creed, that we confess together during Easter and at other times, came from the Council of Nicaea. This creed is celebrating its 1,700 birthday this year. Happy birthday, Nicene Creed!
As the summer days are approaching, we enter the long green season, reflected in the parament, altar and my stole colors. It is the longest of the church seasons. This chart below helps us to visualize the church year. The scripture texts we read together in worship coincide with these times as well.
May God give each of us the vision this summer to walk together as God's church, in God's peace, proclaiming God's love.
Pastor Ivy Gauvin